Fishermen's Wharf playground demolition delayed
Central Coast Coast Administrator Mr Rik Hart has agreed to delay the demolition of the playground at Woy Woy Fishermen's Wharf until July.
The agreement came after an online petition against the demolition attracted more than 3000 signatures in the space of 24 hours and an approach from Member of Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch.
After two days, the night before the demolition was scheduled, 7500 people had signed the petition.
Ms Tesch said initially Council had planned to demolish the park early on Thursday, June 24.
However, Ms Tesch said after much community outcry she contacted the Administrator's office the previous morning.
"Mr Hart has advised that the Council has halted the plans to demolish the park until its replacement opens in July."
Ms Tesch is calling on Council to halt plans to remove the park altogether.
"I welcome Mr Hart's commitment to stop the demolition.
"However, I am demanding that Council end its plans to remove the park altogether.
"They're just plainly wrong on this," said Ms Tesch.
"The playspace has been a staple of the Woy Woy Peninsula community for years.
"So many of our local families have fond memories of visiting and playing the park, getting a fish and chip order and watching the pelican feeding."
"Council should urgently reconsider this decision because our community was not consulted at any stage.
"Loads of new young families have contacted my office overnight and have made it very clear that there is a demand for the two parks in close proximity."Ms Tesch said the council had advised that the small play area being constructed near the Woy Woy Wharf was supposed to replace the existing park.
She said it would be completely inadequate.
"That new space is roughly half the size.
"It's located next to the smoking area for the Bayview Hotel.
"It isn't fenced and has no night-time lighting unlike the existing playspace.
"Council should be expanding playspace for local families not halving it and offering unsafe alternatives" said Ms Tesch.
"This is a disappointing decision by Council staff who have offered no community consultation about the future of our beloved park.
"This demolition should be stopped."
Ms Tesch urged community members to write to Council and sign the petition which will be available in her office in Woy Woy and on the Fisherman's Wharf Facebook page.
SOURCE:
Media release, 23 June 2021
Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford